Ray Walston was best known for his role as the title character of Doctor Who. His 15 years of stage, film and television fueled his performance as the “tough yet sympathetic” Doctor. Walston enjoyed the audition so much that he turned down My Favorite Martian (with floundered with replacement William Hartnell) that very afternoon!

Patty Duke first became famous as a child star, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at age 16 for her role in The Miracle Worker. Perhaps her rough upbringing (alcoholic father and violent bipolar mother) was the foundation for Duke’s inquisitive performance as Susan Foreman. At 16, she was the youngest person at that time to win an Academy Award. Under the advice of her legal guardians, Duke turned down a show Sidney Sheldon created especially for her (which begain their lifelong animosity).

Chad Everett first became notable in Surfside 6 and The Dakotas. His big break was playing Dr. Joe Gannon on Medical Center, where he honed his unique combination of intelligence and toughness. His performance as the no-nonsense school teacher (which reminded this reviewer of a young William Russell in The Great Escape) was a perfect counter balance to the Doctor’s aloof persona.

Diane Brewster was most noted for playing the confidence trickster Samantha Crawford in Maverick. But her performance as elementary school teacher Miss Canfield in Leave It to Beaver made producers realize she was perfect to play Barbara Wright.

Ossie Davis is the Doctor

Producers wanted for the Doctor to be played by Ossie Davis, an African American actor. In 1963, they felt that would be consistent with NET documentaries about poverty and racism. Co-creator Leslie Stevens was a huge fan of EC Comics Bill Gaines for standing up to the Comics Code in 1954 (The Code objected to the hero in “Judgment Day!” being black.) Davis thought the role fit with his social activism, auditioned well and was ready to leave Car 54, Where Are You?. However, Southern and conservative affiliates objected to what they saw as Northeast liberal bias. Producers relented, eventually casting Ray Walston.

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6 thoughts on “First American Doctor: Ray Walston”

Patty Duke was one of my first favorite female actors. She suffered from bi-polar disorder as well and co-authored a book on the subject, entitled “Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic Depressive Illness.” I best remember Patty for her role in “Valley of the Dolls.” A role that would not fit as companion of the Doctor, but still powerful and brilliantly performed. Patty would put passion into a role as companion. Good choice.

That sounds like the voice of Gabriel Woolf telling the Doctor to fear him. Gabriel Woolf did the voice for The Beast in The Impossible Planet/Satan Pit in 2006. He also did the Voice for Sutekh in the 1975 Doctor Who: Pyramids of Mars. I am certainly looking forward to this.

I love the idea behind American Who. One question though: on the Fourth Doctor’s page you mention Gene Roddenberry is a co-creator. I’m wondering if you could write up how he got the show rolling, and how long did he stay involved. I take it in this universe Star Trek was either never made or a season flop.